Bubble Bobble Arcade PCB Upgrade Overview for Original Taito Hardware
Review the available HighScoreSaves upgrade option for compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs, including Free Play, permanent high score saving, installation requirements, hardware compatibility, serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven DIP settings, attract mode protection, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, separate score tables, Self-Test access, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.
This category is intended for collectors, operators, and restoration projects using original Bubble Bobble arcade hardware. The upgrade keeps the original Taito PCB in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation platform, reproduction board, or generic multicade system.
Bubble Bobble installation requires compatible original Taito hardware. Some boards require a Z80B processor, and a compatible 40-pin socket may be required if the needed CPU location is not already socketed.
Bubble Bobble Hardware Compatibility and Upgrade Features
The Bubble Bobble kit is designed for original Taito arcade hardware and adds modern reliability, score saving, menu settings, service features, and optional leaderboard support while preserving the original Bubble Bobble gameplay, timing, music, sound, controls, and classic arcade behavior.
- Designed for compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs
- Free Play with traditional Coin-Up operation support
- Saves the Top 10 scores permanently
- Reliable serial EEPROM storage with no batteries required
- Separate score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives
- Attract mode protection to help reduce static-screen display time
- Menu-driven DIP settings for supported game options
- Backup and Restore support for saved high score data
- Reset Button support for restarting without cycling cabinet power
- Self-Test access through the menu or PCB DIP-switch method
- ROM Saver support for optional original program ROM removal
- Upright and cocktail cabinet support
- Optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support
View Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit
View/Download Bubble Bobble Install Guide (PDF)
Before ordering: confirm that your machine contains a documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCB. Review the install guide and inspect your PCB to confirm whether your board requires a Z80B processor, a 40-pin socket, or technician-installed socket work before the kit can be used.
Bubble Bobble PCB Upgrade Details and Benefits
The HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds Free Play, permanent Top 10 score saving, battery-free serial EEPROM storage, menu-driven DIP settings, attract mode protection, ROM Saver support, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, separate score tables, Self-Test access, upright/cocktail cabinet support, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support to documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade hardware.
This upgrade is designed for original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs. It keeps the original board in service rather than replacing the cabinet with an emulation system, reproduction PCB, or generic multicade platform.
Main Bubble Bobble Kit Features
- Permanent score saving: Saves the Top 10 scores.
- Battery-free storage: Uses reliable serial EEPROM storage with no battery required.
- Free Play: Start Bubble Bobble without inserting coins.
- Traditional Coin-Up operation: Normal coin operation remains supported when desired.
- Separate score tables: Supports separate score tables for 2, 3, or 4 lives.
- Attract mode protection: Helps reduce static-screen display time during idle periods.
- Menu-driven DIP settings: Change supported game options directly from the on-screen menu.
- Backup and Restore: Back up stored high scores and restore them when needed.
- Reset Button: Restart the game without turning the cabinet power off.
- Self-Test access: Access Self-Test through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches OFF.
- ROM Saver: Designated original program ROMs may be removed when installed as directed.
- Upright and cocktail support: Supports documented upright and cocktail cabinet configurations.
- Optional Wi-Fi: Add qualifying online leaderboard score submission while keeping local score saving.
Access the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble Settings Menu
To access the settings menu, hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Free Play, Coin-Up, and Top 10 Score Saving
Free Play allows Bubble Bobble to start without inserting coins while retaining traditional Coin-Up operation when desired.
Supported score data is stored using serial EEPROM, so batteries are not required for saved scores. The kit saves the Top 10 scores.
Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, or 4 lives, allowing score storage to remain organized across supported lives settings.
Taito Hardware, DIP Settings, and Self-Test Access
Bubble Bobble uses original Taito arcade hardware, and this kit is intended for documented compatible original Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs.
Menu-driven DIP settings allow supported options to be changed directly from the on-screen menu, reducing the need to adjust PCB DIP switches during normal setup.
Self-Test access is available through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches OFF, helping with setup, service, and hardware verification.
ROM Saver, Backup and Restore, and Reset Button
ROM Saver support allows designated original program ROMs to be removed when the kit is installed as directed in the Bubble Bobble installation guide.
Backup and Restore support allows stored high score data to be backed up and restored later for service, events, parties, route use, or tournament preparation.
Reset Button support allows the game to restart without powering the cabinet off.
Cabinet Support and Local Saving
Upright and cocktail cabinet configurations are supported when used with documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade hardware.
Standard kits save supported scores and settings locally to the installed arcade PCB. Wi-Fi is optional and is not required for normal gameplay, local score saving, cabinet settings, menu operation, Self-Test access, Reset Button support, or ROM Saver operation.
Installation and PCB Requirements
- Designed for documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs.
- Access to the original arcade PCB is required during installation.
- Some Bubble Bobble boards require a Z80B processor.
- A compatible 40-pin socket may be required if the needed CPU location is not already socketed.
- If socket work is needed, a qualified arcade technician should install the compatible 40-pin socket before the kit is used.
- Remove only the designated original program ROMs identified in the Bubble Bobble installation guide when using ROM Saver features.
- Verify Pin 1 orientation, processor alignment, socket condition, board seating, ROM removal locations, and all processor pins before restoring cabinet power.
- Review the Bubble Bobble installation guide before installation.
Standard and Optional Wi-Fi Versions
The Standard Kit saves supported scores and settings locally to the PCB and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, menu settings, ROM Saver operation, Backup and Restore, Reset Button support, Self-Test access, or local score saving.
The optional Wi-Fi Enabled Kit includes the same local features and can submit qualifying scores to the HighScoreSaves online leaderboard after a player enters their initials.
Wi-Fi can be disabled without affecting Bubble Bobble gameplay, Free Play, local score saving, cabinet settings, menu-driven options, Self-Test access, Reset Button support, or ROM Saver operation.
Bubble Bobble Kit FAQ
Which arcade PCB does the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble kit support?
The kit is designed for documented compatible original Taito Bubble Bobble arcade PCBs.
How many high scores does the Bubble Bobble kit save?
The kit saves the Top 10 scores.
Does the Bubble Bobble kit support Free Play and Coin-Up?
Yes. The kit supports Free Play and traditional Coin-Up operation.
How is the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble settings menu opened?
Hold Player 1 Start while turning the cabinet on. Release the button when the on-screen prompt tells you to continue.
Does the Bubble Bobble kit support separate score tables?
Yes. Separate score tables are supported for 2, 3, or 4 lives.
How do I access Self-Test mode?
Self-Test is accessible through the main menu or by setting all PCB DIP switches OFF.
Are there CPU requirements for the Bubble Bobble kit?
Yes. Some boards require a Z80B processor, and a compatible 40-pin socket may be required depending on the PCB.
What is ROM Saver on the Bubble Bobble kit?
ROM Saver allows designated original program ROMs to be removed because the program runs directly from the kit when installed as directed.
Is Wi-Fi required for the HighScoreSaves Bubble Bobble kit?
No. Standard kits save supported scores locally. Wi-Fi is optional for online leaderboard support.